WA Government Makes Free Sunday Public Transport Permanent in Major Budget Move
The State Government of Western Australia has unveiled a significant update to free public transport across the state, embedded within a $70.1 million Budget initiative. Premier Roger Cook and Transport Minister Rita Saffioti are set to promote this measure on Sunday, confirming that free travel on Sundays will become a permanent fixture, alongside the Ride to School Free Programme.
My government's State Budget 2026-27 is about delivering real cost of living support for Western Australians, stated Mr Cook. Our responsible budget management and focus on maintaining Western Australia's status as the strongest economy in the nation mean we can make cost-of-living measures, such as free Sunday travel, permanent.
Expanding Free Transport Initiatives
The Ride to School Free Program, established in 2024, offers free transport to approximately 300,000 students commuting to and from school with a valid SmartRider. Similarly, free Sunday travel was introduced in 2024, with over 8 million passengers utilizing the initiative since its inception. Additionally, WA Seniors Card holders enjoy free travel during off-peak times from Monday to Friday and throughout the entire weekend.
Since January 1, passengers have benefited from capped fares, allowing travel anywhere on the network for as low as $2.80 per trip with a SmartRider equipped with Autoload, or $3.50 when using a credit or debit card. Transwa fares for regional train and coach services have also been reduced by half, enhancing accessibility across the state.
Record Public Transport Usage
Government data reveals a record 15.7 million boardings across train, bus, or ferry services in March alone. This follows a landmark year in 2025, where public transport boardings exceeded 150 million for the first time. With fuel prices continuing to rise and putting pressure on WA households, we know these practical initiatives are providing real relief to families, with a record number of people choosing to make use of our public transport network last month, commented Ms Saffioti.
Our government is committed to using our strong economic position to deliver real cost-of-living relief for Western Australians, with more to come in our State Budget 2026-27, she added.
Fuel Price Context
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA estimates that fuel prices in Australia have surged by 38 percent since the US conflict with Iran began in late February. Figures from the office of Energy Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson indicate that recent fuel averages in the Perth metropolitan area stood at $2.01 for unleaded and $3.06 for diesel, underscoring the economic pressures driving the demand for affordable transport options.
This permanent measure aims to alleviate financial strain on residents while promoting sustainable travel, reflecting the government's proactive approach to economic challenges and public welfare.
